JP2017165404A - Vehicle frame and assembly method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system that enables loading to be managed amongst both a sub frame and a bumper frame in the event of a collision.SOLUTION: The invention provides a vehicle frame. The vehicle frame includes a body frame, a sub frame mounted to the body frame, and a bumper frame coupled to the body frame. The bumper frame includes a beam having a first end and a second end. The vehicle frame also includes at least one brace coupling the beam to the sub frame adjacent to at least one of beam ends.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present disclosure relates generally to vehicle frames, and more specifically to a collision load management system for use with a vehicle frame.

  Many known vehicle frames include a body frame, a subframe attached to the body frame, and a bumper frame attached to the body frame. Note that the bumper frame and the subframe are not connected to each other except that both the bumper frame and the subframe are coupled to the main body frame. For this reason, in the case of a collision in which a load that can be shifted laterally from the main frame or a load that cannot be shifted laterally is applied to the bumper frame and / or subframe, the bumper frame and subframe effectively manage their energy. It is impossible to function in parallel. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a system that allows load management between both subframes and bumper frames when collisions are directly involved in only one or both of these structures.

  In one aspect, a vehicle frame is provided. The vehicle frame includes a main body frame, a subframe attached to the main body frame, and a bumper frame coupled to the main body frame. The bumper frame includes a beam having a first end and a second end. The vehicle frame also includes at least one brace that couples the beam to a subframe adjacent to at least one of the beam ends.

  In another aspect, a method for assembling a vehicle frame is provided. The method includes attaching the subframe to the body frame and coupling the bumper frame to the body frame. The bumper frame includes a beam having a first end and a second end. The method further includes coupling the beam to a subframe adjacent to at least one of the beam ends via at least one brace.

  In yet another aspect, a subframe for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has a first front wheel and tire assembly and a second front wheel and tire assembly. The subframe has a widthwise dimension and includes a front beam and a first side beam coupled to the front beam at a first joint. The first side beam defines a first space dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the first front wheel and tire assembly. The first joint is dimensioned to extend forward of the first front wheel and tire assembly in the widthwise dimension of the subframe. The subframe also includes a second side beam coupled with the front beam at a second joint. The second side beam defines a second space dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the second front wheel and tire assembly. The second joint is dimensioned to extend in front of the second front wheel and tire assembly in the widthwise dimension of the subframe.

  The features, functions, and advantages described herein may be implemented independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure or may be combined in other embodiments, further details of which are set forth below. It will be understood by reference to the description and drawings.

1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary vehicle frame. FIG. It is a bottom perspective view of the frame shown in FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an exemplary brace for use in the frame shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of another brace for use in the frame shown in FIG. 1.

  Although specific features of various embodiments are shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. Any feature of any drawing may be referenced in combination with any feature of any other drawing and / or recited in the claims.

  The present disclosure relates generally to vehicle frames and methods for assembling the same. An exemplary vehicle frame includes a body frame, a subframe attached to the body frame, a bumper frame attached to the body frame, and a brace that couples the bumper frame directly to the subframe. Therefore, the vehicle frame shall manage the collision load in such a way that the load can be managed between both the subframe and the bumper frame when the collision is directly involved in only one of these structures. make it easier. More specifically, the vehicle frame establishes a load path from the bumper frame directly to the subframe or from the subframe directly to the bumper frame so that the bumper frame and the subframe cooperate to withstand a collision load. To make it easier. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, a direct coupling between the bumper frame and the subframe can improve the energy management capabilities of the vehicle frame. This includes a subframe and a bumper frame that 1) withstand deformation to withstand loads, 2) absorb energy, and 3) transmit load / energy to the body frame in the event of a collision. The collision may or may not be directly involved in the body frame. In this way, the strength of the main body frame is increased and the overall safety related to the vehicle frame is easily improved.

  As used herein, an element or step given the word “a” or “an” in the singular is the plural element unless it is explicitly stated that the plural element or step is excluded. Or it should be understood not to exclude steps. Furthermore, the meaning of “one embodiment” and / or “exemplary embodiment” is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

  FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary vehicle frame 100, and FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary vehicle frame 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the frame 100 has a longitudinal dimension 200 and a width dimension 300, and the frame 100 is attached to a front subframe 102 (or engine cradle) and a subframe 102. A main body frame 104 and a bumper frame 106 coupled to the main body frame 104 are included. In particular, the bumper frame 106 has at least one brace, i.e., a first brace 108 and a first brace, that facilitates managing the impact load applied to the bumper frame 106 and / or subframe 102, as described below. Coupled to subframe 102 via two braces 110. In other embodiments, the frame 100 may include any suitable number of components coupled together in a suitable manner that facilitates the functioning of the frame 100 as described herein.

  In the exemplary embodiment, subframe 102 includes a pair of side beams, a first side beam 112, and a second side that is separated from first side beam 112 by a predetermined distance in dimension 300 in the width direction. A single piece monolithic structure including the beam 114. Similarly, the subframe 102 includes a pair of end beams, a front beam 116 and a rear beam 116, separated from the front beam 116 by a distance of a longitudinal dimension 200. In the exemplary embodiment, the first side beam 112 defines a first space 120 (or first recess) that is sized to receive at least a portion of the first front wheel and tire assembly 122 as a first. The second side beam 114 is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the second front wheel and tire assembly 126, and is dimensioned precisely such that the second side beam 112 defines. Is precisely dimensioned so that the second side beam 114 defines the space 124 (or second recess) of the second space.

  Further, in the exemplary embodiment, front beam 116 intersects first side beam 112 at first joint 128, and front beam 116 intersects second side beam 114 at second joint 130. The first joint 128 is positioned in the width direction such that when the frame 100 is viewed from the front, the first joint 128 overlaps at least partially with the first front wheel and tire assembly 122 in the width dimension 300. In dimension 300, it extends outside the body frame 104 to the first distal end 132 (ie, the first joint 128 is in front of the first front wheel and tire assembly 122 in the width dimension 300). Are dimensioned to be positioned). Similarly, the second joint 130 is such that, when the frame 100 is viewed from the front, the second joint 130 at least partially overlaps the second front wheel and tire assembly 126 in the widthwise dimension 300. Extends to the outside of the body frame 104 in the width dimension 300 to the second tip 134 (ie, the second joint 130 is positioned in front of the second front wheel and tire assembly 126 in the width dimension 300). To be positioned). In other embodiments, subframe 102 may include a plurality of a suitable number of beams that are configured and coupled together in a suitable manner that facilitates functioning of frame 100 as described herein. (E.g., joint 128 and / or joint 130 of subframe 102 may not overlap their associated front wheel and tire assemblies 122 and / or 126 in width dimension 300).

  In the exemplary embodiment, body frame 104 is a multi-piece structure to which subframe 102 is attached. More specifically, the body frame 104 includes a collection of front members 136 coupled together (eg, welded by spot welding, etc.) coupled together to define an engine compartment 138 of the body frame 104, and the body frame 104. A plurality of intermediate members 140 that are joined together (eg, welded by spot welding, etc.) to define a cabin 142. The body frames 104 are optionally joined together (eg, spot welded) so as to define a cargo carrying compartment (not shown) of the body frame 104 (such as a bed or trunk of the body frame 104). A) An assembly of a plurality of rear members (not shown) may be included. The front member 136 includes a first front member 144 that is coupled (eg, bolted) to the subframe 102 and a second front member 146 that is coupled (eg, bolted) to the subframe 102. . In other embodiments, the body frame 104 is any coupled to the subframe 102 and / or to each other in any suitable manner that facilitates functioning of the frame 100 as described herein. Any suitable number of members may be included.

  In the exemplary embodiment, bumper frame 106 includes a beam 148 and at least one bracket (eg, first bracket 150 and second bracket 152) for coupling beam 148 to body frame 104. In the exemplary embodiment, beam 148 has a single end 154, a second end 156, and a body 158 that extends from first end 154 to second end 156. It is a one-piece integral structure. In the exemplary embodiment, the first bracket 150 is coupled (eg, bolted) to the first front member 144 of the body frame 104, and is at the first end 154 rather than the second end 156. Coupled to an adjacent beam 148 (eg, bolted). Similarly, the second bracket 152 is coupled (eg, bolted) to the second front member 146 of the body frame 104 and is closer to the second end 156 than the first end 154. (For example, bolted). Thus, the bumper beam 148 has a first end 154 that overlaps the first proximal end 132 of the subframe 102 at a width dimension 300 and a second end 156 that has a width dimension. Extending across the body frame 104 at a widthwise dimension 300 so as to overlap the second distal end 134 of the subframe 102 at 300. In the exemplary embodiment, beam 148 is arcuate, but in other embodiments it may have any suitable shape (e.g., in some embodiments, beam 148 is substantially straight). Also good). In other embodiments, the bumper frame 106 may be any other suitable number of components (eg, singular or single) configured in a suitable manner that facilitates functioning of the frame 100 as described herein. Multiple beams and / or brackets). For example, in some embodiments, the bumper frame 106 may include a beam that is not a single piece monolith, and / or the bumper frame 106 includes, in some embodiments, only one bracket. But you can.

  In the exemplary embodiment, the first brace 108 is such that the first brace 108 and / or the first joint 128 can be positioned in front of the first wheel and tire assembly 122 in the widthwise dimension 300. , Coupled to the first joint 128 of the subframe 102 at the first opening 160 of the first joint 128. The first brace 108 further includes a bumper adjacent to the first end 154 such that the first brace 108 is between the first bracket 150 and the first end 154 in the width dimension 300. It is also coupled to the beam 148 of the frame 106. Similarly, the second brace 110 can be positioned so that the second brace 110 and / or the second joint 130 can be positioned in front of the second wheel and tire assembly 126 in the widthwise dimension 300. The second opening 162 of the joint 130 is coupled to the second joint 130 of the subframe 102. Further, the second brace 110 is adjacent to the second end 156 such that the second brace 110 is between the second bracket 152 and the second end 156 in the widthwise dimension 300. It is also coupled to the beam 148 of the bumper frame 106. The first brace 108 is described in more detail below, but the second brace 110 is configured similarly to the first brace 108 (ie, the first brace 108 and the second brace 110 have the same design). Note that the difference is only in the connection position to the subframe 102 and the beam 148). As such, the second brace 110 is described below with respect to the first brace 108 that is coupled to the first joint 128 of the subframe 102 and to the beam 148 adjacent to the first end 154. Is coupled to the second joint 130 of the subframe 102 and to the beam 148 adjacent to the second end 156.

  FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the first brace 108. In the exemplary embodiment, the first brace 108 includes a first member 164 (eg, a strut) and a second member 166 (eg, a plate). The first member 164 and the second member 166 are separately formed (eg, extruded) from a suitable metal (eg, aluminum). In other embodiments, members 164 and 166 may be manufactured from any suitable material in any suitable manner. In the exemplary embodiment, first member 164 has a first end 168 and a second end 170, and second member 166 has a first end 172 and a second end. It has a part 174 (for example, a sleeve). The first end 168 of the first member 164 is coupled to the subframe 102 at the first opening 160 such that the first member 164 protrudes from the subframe 102 to the second end 170 ( For example, screw connection and / or bolt connection). Similarly, the first end 172 of the second member 166 is coupled to the bumper beam 148 such that the second member 166 extends from the bumper beam 148 to the second end 174 (eg, a bolt). Connected). Thus, the first member 164 and the second member 166 are substantially orthogonal to each other and are joined together at the second ends 170 and 174, respectively (eg, both metal inert gas (MIG)). Welded) (eg, the sleeve receives at least a portion of the column). In other embodiments, the first member 164 and the second member 166 may have any suitable shape, size, and orientation relative to each other and may be coupled together in any suitable manner. Good. Alternatively, the first member 164 and the second member 166 may be integrally formed together as a single piece monolith.

  Accordingly, the bumper beam 148, on the other hand, is indirectly coupled to the subframe 102 via the brackets 150 and 152 and the body frame 104. On the other hand, however, bumper beam 148 is coupled directly to subframe 102 via braces 108 and 110. As used herein, the term “directly coupled” or any variation thereof refers to the load path from the bumper beam 148 to the subframe 102 so that the load path does not pass through the body frame 104. Means that the bumper beam 148 is coupled to the subframe 102. Conversely, the term “indirectly coupled” or a variation thereof may cause the bumper beam 148 to be It means to be coupled to the frame 102.

  In the exemplary embodiment, braces 108 and 110 facilitate direct transmission of a load (eg, a collision load) from bumper beam 148 to subframe 102, as well as a load from subframe 102 to bumper beam 148. Facilitates direct transmission of (e.g. collision load). More specifically, the first brace 108 establishes a first load path from the first end 154 of the bumper beam 148 to the subframe 102, where the first load path passes through the body frame 104. I can't pass. Similarly, the second brace 110 establishes a second load path from the second end 156 of the bumper beam 148 to the subframe 102, where the second load path does not pass through the body frame 104. Thus, the braces 108 and 110 facilitate transmitting the load from the bumper beam 148 to the subframe 102 and from the subframe 102 to the bumper beam 148 in a manner that decouples the body frame 104 from such loads, thereby Maintains the structural integrity of body frame 104 (eg, engine compartment 138 and cabin 142) during a crash.

  More specifically, the bumper beam 148 and the subframe 102 are transmitted to the body frame 104 so that the bumper beam 148 and the subframe 102 can withstand (or dissipate) the collision load. Are coupled directly to function in parallel to prevent (or at least reduce the amount of such collision loads). For example, in one embodiment, the bumper beam 148 may be designed to withstand an "X" pound force before deformation and the subframe 102 to withstand a "Y" pound force before deformation. May be designed. If a load with a force in the order of “Z” pounds (eg, a collision load) is applied to the bumper beam 148, the bumper beam 148 can withstand that load if Z is less than X. Alternatively, the bumper beam 148 may provide the first brace 108 and / or the second brace 108 and / or the second brace 108 so that if Z is greater than X, a portion of the load is transmitted to the body frame 104 only if Z is greater than X + Y. The difference in load can be transmitted to the subframe 102 through the brace 110 of the second frame. Similarly, in another example, if a load having a force in the order of “Z” pounds (eg, a collision load) is applied to subframe 102, subframe 102 is itself subframe 102 if Z is less than Y. Can withstand the load, or the subframe 102 can be the first if Z is greater than Y, such that a portion of the load is transmitted to the body frame 104 only if Z is greater than Y + X. The load difference can be transmitted to the bumper beam 148 via the brace 108 and / or the second brace 110. As shown in FIG. 4, some embodiments of the first brace 108 may include a first member 164 and / or a third member 176 that extends from the second member 166 toward the body frame 104 (eg, Arm) and third member 176 may optionally be coupled to body frame 104 in any suitable manner. Thus, the embodiments described above are examples of loads that may or may not shift laterally from the body frame 104 that may result from the subframe 102 being positioned below the bumper beam 148 in many vehicle frame assemblies. And a collision load management system that can manage cases of loads that may or may not shift vertically from either the bumper beam 148 or the subframe 102.

  The systems and methods described above facilitate providing an improved vehicle frame. The vehicle frame includes a main body frame, a subframe attached to the main body frame, a bumper frame attached to the main body frame, and a brace that directly couples the bumper frame to the subframe. The vehicle frame thus makes it easy to manage the collision load in a manner that allows the load to be managed between both the subframe and the bumper frame when the collision is directly involved in only one of these structures. To do. More specifically, the vehicle frame is a direct load path from the bumper frame to the subframe or a direct from the subframe to the bumper frame so that the bumper frame and the subframe can withstand a collision load in parallel. Facilitates establishing a load path. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, direct coupling between the bumper frame and the subframe can improve the energy management capabilities of the vehicle frame. This includes sub-frames and bumper frames that 1) resist deformation to withstand loads, 2) absorb energy, and 3) transfer load / energy to the body frame in the event of a collision. The collision may or may not be directly involved in the body frame. This increases the strength of the vehicle frame and improves the overall safety associated with the vehicle frame.

  Exemplary embodiments of vehicle frame systems and methods for assembling them are described in detail above. The systems and methods are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather the components of the system and / or the steps of the method include other components and / or steps described herein. It may be used independently. Individual method steps and individual components may be used in combination with other method steps and / or components. Although certain features of various embodiments are shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. Features of a drawing may be referenced in combination with any feature of other drawings and / or recited in the claims.

  This written description uses examples to disclose embodiments, including the best mode, and further, to form and use any device or system and to perform the incorporated methods Embodiments including are made possible to those skilled in the art. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples may have structural elements that do not differ from the literal words in the claims, or equivalent examples that have other substantive differences from the literal words in the claims. If included, it is intended to be within the scope of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Vehicle frame 102 Sub frame 104 Main body frame 106 Bumper frame 108 1st brace 110 2nd brace 112 1st side beam 114 2nd side beam 116 Front beam 120 1st space 122 1st front wheel and tire Assembly 124 Second space 126 Second front wheel and tire assembly 128 First joint 130 Second joint 132 First distal end 134 Second distal end 136 Front member 138 Engine compartment 140 Intermediate member 142 Cabin 144 First Front Member 146 Second Front Member 148 Bumper Beam 150 First Bracket 152 Second Bracket 154 First End 156 Second End 158 Main Body 200 Vertical Dimensions of 300 width direction of direction

Claims (20)

A vehicle frame,
Body frame,
A subframe attached to the body frame;
A bumper frame coupled to the body frame, the bumper frame comprising a beam having a first end and a second end;
At least one brace coupling the beam to the subframe adjacent to at least one of the beam ends;
A vehicle frame comprising: The at least one brace is
A first brace that couples the beam to the subframe adjacent to a first end of the beam;
A second brace that couples the beam to the subframe adjacent to a second end of the beam;
The vehicle frame according to claim 1, further comprising:   The at least one brace extends from at least one of the subframe and the bumper frame toward the body frame and is coupled to the body frame. Vehicle frame as described.   2. The vehicle frame according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle frame has a width dimension, and the at least one brace is coupled to the subframe outside the main body frame in the width dimension. Vehicle frame. The vehicle frame is for a vehicle having a first front wheel and tire assembly and a second front wheel and tire assembly;
The subframe is:
Front beam,
A first side beam coupled to the front beam at a first joint, wherein the first side beam is sized to receive at least a portion of the first front wheel and tire assembly; Defining a first space, wherein at least one of the first joint and the first brace is forward of the first front wheel and tire assembly in the widthwise dimension of the vehicle frame. A first side beam coupled to the subframe at the first joint so as to be positionable to
A second side beam coupled to the front beam at a second joint, wherein the second side beam is sized to receive at least a portion of the second front wheel and tire assembly. Defining a second space, wherein the second brace is positioned in front of the second front wheel and tire assembly such that at least one of the second joint and the second brace is in the widthwise dimension of the vehicle frame. A second side beam coupled to the subframe at the second joint so as to be positionable to
The vehicle frame according to claim 4, further comprising:   The vehicle frame according to claim 1, wherein the at least one brace includes a first member and a second member coupled to the first member.   The vehicle frame according to claim 6, wherein the first member includes a post, and the second member includes a plate and a sleeve into which the post is at least partially inserted. A method of assembling a vehicle frame,
Attaching the subframe to the body frame;
Coupling a bumper frame including a beam having a first end and a second end to the body frame;
Coupling the beam, via at least one brace, to the subframe adjacent to at least one of the beam ends;
A method comprising the steps of: Combining the beam with the subframe comprises:
Coupling the beam to the subframe adjacent to the first end of the beam via a first brace;
Coupling the beam to the subframe adjacent to the second end of the beam via a second brace;
9. The method of claim 8, comprising:   The at least one brace has at least one of a configuration extending from at least one of the subframe and the bumper frame toward the body frame and a configuration coupled to the body frame. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of attaching two braces.   The step of coupling the beam to the subframe includes coupling the at least one brace to the subframe outside the body frame in a width dimension of the vehicle frame. 9. The method according to 8. Combining the beam with the subframe comprises:
Connecting a first brace to the subframe at a first joint of the subframe, wherein at least one of the first joint and the first brace is dimensioned in the width direction of the vehicle frame; Coupling a first brace to the sub-frame at a first joint of the sub-frame so that it can be placed in front of the first wheel and tire assembly;
Coupling a second brace to the subframe at a second joint of the subframe, wherein at least one of the second joint and the second brace is in the width dimension of the vehicle frame; Coupling a second brace to the subframe at a second joint of the subframe so that it can be placed in front of a second wheel and tire assembly;
The method of claim 11, comprising:   9. The method of claim 8, wherein coupling the beam to the subframe includes coupling a first member to a second member to form the at least one brace.   The method of claim 13, further comprising inserting a post at least partially into the sleeve to couple the first member to the second member. A subframe for a vehicle having a first front wheel and tire assembly and a second front wheel and tire assembly, the subframe having a width dimension; and
Front beam,
A first side beam coupled to the front beam at a first joint, wherein the first side beam is sized to receive at least a portion of the first front wheel and tire assembly; Defining a first space, the first joint being dimensioned to extend forward of the first front wheel and tire assembly in the widthwise dimension of the subframe; With side beams,
A second side beam coupled to the front beam at a second joint, wherein the second side beam is sized to receive at least a portion of the second front wheel and tire assembly. Defining a second space, wherein the second joint is dimensioned to extend forward of the second front wheel and tire assembly in the widthwise dimension of the subframe. With side beams,
A subframe comprising:   At least one of the first joint and the second joint includes a brace connection structure that can be disposed in front of an associated front wheel and tire assembly in the width dimension of the subframe. The subframe according to claim 15.   The subframe according to claim 16, wherein the brace connection structure includes an opening.   The subframe according to claim 15, wherein each of the side beams is formed in an arc shape, and an associated space is a concave portion defined by the arc shape.   The subframe includes a rear beam extending between the first side beam and the second side beam so that the rear beam is separated from the front beam. The described subframe.   The subframe according to claim 15, wherein the subframe is a single-piece unitary structure.

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